Jan 4, 2015, 2:01 pm
Last edit by: WineCountryUA
This wiki was created to distill SDC (and related standby) down to a set of rules in the hopes of benefiting others.
The official "rules" can be found here. In practice, some of the rules almost always apply, and some are more flexible.
Note there have been reports of SDC to one segment removing confirmed CPU upgrades on downline segments. If maintaining the confirmed upgrade is important then these changes should be handled with care.
Most Frequently Asked Question: When do I call/go online to make the change?
Follow this flowchart:
Question 1: Are you within 24 hours of your currently scheduled UA(*) operated flight that you're trying to change off of? If yes, continue to Question 2. If no, continue to answer 1.
Question 2: Are you within 24 hours of the first UA operated flight you're trying to change on to? If yes, continue to to Answer 2. If no, continue to Answer 1.
Answer 1: No, you cannot call/go online yet to make an SDC.
Answer 2: Yes, then you can call/go online to make an SDC.
General Baseline Rules
These are the general rules that usually apply to SDC's; falling outside these rules usually requires payment of a full change fee and the fare difference:
How to SDC
SDC can be accomplished in a few different places (in rough order of likelihood of being able to get the rules bent):
Please note that the United.com “change flight” link before checking in within T-24, is broken. The website may not show all available options and will often attempt to collect the change fee rather than the SDC fee (if any).
NB: An SDC where the original itinerary (in one direction) has three or more segments cannot be done online.
Nuances and Loose Rules
Now for the hard part: figuring out where the flexibility is in the rules. This list is compiled from the responses to people saying "Can I do X?" where X is something that is not clearly permitted by the rules. One's likelihood of success here depends a bit on the method used for the SDC.
For each item, the following codes apply:
Y = officially permitted and possible using any method
A = not permitted but perhaps possible using an agent (phone/counter), perhaps having to HUACA
A* = mixed reports of success with an agent (phone/counter),
N* = possible only if you find a very accommodating agent
N = little or no reported success.
If you encounter issues with an agent (phone or counter/gate), you can ask the agent to reference GG SDC. Additionally, GG SDC line 61 specifically references that fare classes are supposed to level out 3.5 hours before departure, so you might be able to use that to your advantage if fare classes have not leveled out and you're trying to ask an agent to open up the correct inventory or force you onto the flight.
Note -- as of 11/27/2017: A datapoint indicates that UA may have updated its GG rule regarding leveling out to state the following:
Standby
You may stand by if seats are not available in the purchased fare class. In these cases, the same-day change fee will apply, but will not be charged unless you are assigned a seat on your alternate flight. Changes in routing are not allowed when standing by. Standby may be requested on the day of departure at an airport kiosk or with a United representative at the airport. Once you are added to the flight standby list, you can check your real-time standby status at united.com/flightstatus or on your mobile device at mobile.united.com/info.
Instead of paying a same-day change discounted fee, can I stand by for my desired flight for free?
No. The only time you may standby for free is when the fare does not have any penalties for making changes, or when standing by involuntarily due to a flight irregularity.
Can I pay the same-day change discount fee with cash?
Cash will only be accepted by a United airport representative when the change is available to be confirmed, not for standby travel.
original posting by mgcsinc, initiated by jackal
Previous threads:
UA Same-Day Travel Change (SDC) Fees/Questions *now with WikiPost* {pre-2015 Archive}
The official "rules" can be found here. In practice, some of the rules almost always apply, and some are more flexible.
Note there have been reports of SDC to one segment removing confirmed CPU upgrades on downline segments. If maintaining the confirmed upgrade is important then these changes should be handled with care.
Most Frequently Asked Question: When do I call/go online to make the change?
Follow this flowchart:
Question 1: Are you within 24 hours of your currently scheduled UA(*) operated flight that you're trying to change off of? If yes, continue to Question 2. If no, continue to answer 1.
Question 2: Are you within 24 hours of the first UA operated flight you're trying to change on to? If yes, continue to to Answer 2. If no, continue to Answer 1.
Answer 1: No, you cannot call/go online yet to make an SDC.
Answer 2: Yes, then you can call/go online to make an SDC.
General Baseline Rules
These are the general rules that usually apply to SDC's; falling outside these rules usually requires payment of a full change fee and the fare difference:
- The departure time of the first segment of the old itinerary and the departure time of the first segment of the new itinerary must both be within 24 hours of the moment that the change is made.
- Only applies to UA/UX operated flights, domestic or international. Changing from a non-UA operated to UA operated may be possible.
- The ultimate origin and destination airports must remain the same.
- Routing can be changed (addition, deletion, or change of connection points) but the routing rules of the original fare usually apply.
- All remaining unflown segments in single fared itinerary are considered together (i.e., if you're flying WWW-XXX-YYY-ZZZ, you can go to a kiosk at XXX and potentially fly XXX-AAA-ZZZ or XXX-ZZZ direct).
- SDC can be done an unlimited number of times, and can therefore be used to extend a trip indefinitely (pending availability).
- SDC costs $75 for Members and Silvers - the fee is waived for Golds and up (plus any applicable fare difference, see below). *G's may also get free SDC, although there is no mention of this in the official rules. Once in-route, fees for an earlier connecting flight may be waived per GG SDC Line 118.
- Non-elites on the same PNR benefit from any waived fees for SDC.
- No fare difference is charged so long as there is availability on all of the new segments in the originally ticketed fare class. Fare class availability in all classes often opens up after T-24 and almost always opens up at T-3 unless the plane is very full.
- SDC on bulk tickets, including United Specials, is not permitted.
- SDC is permitted on both domestic and international itineraries.
How to SDC
SDC can be accomplished in a few different places (in rough order of likelihood of being able to get the rules bent):
- United mobile app
- Kiosk
- Phone
- On united.com, right now only the "Search Other Flight Options" button during On-Line Check-In (OLCI) works. This has spotty availability, particularly if the change would involve paying an additional fare due to fare bucket non-availability.
- Counter/Gate (although reports are that most airport agents are not familiar with the SDC policy and may not allow you to SDC to a valid itinerary--you can try to direct them to look up GG SDC, but they often won't understand that what you're trying to do is permitted by those rules)
NB: An SDC where the original itinerary (in one direction) has three or more segments cannot be done online.
Nuances and Loose Rules
Now for the hard part: figuring out where the flexibility is in the rules. This list is compiled from the responses to people saying "Can I do X?" where X is something that is not clearly permitted by the rules. One's likelihood of success here depends a bit on the method used for the SDC.
For each item, the following codes apply:
Y = officially permitted and possible using any method
A = not permitted but perhaps possible using an agent (phone/counter), perhaps having to HUACA
A* = mixed reports of success with an agent (phone/counter),
N* = possible only if you find a very accommodating agent
N = little or no reported success.
- Violating various non-routing fare rules (day/time, minimum stay, etc.): Y
- Change destination to ultra-close airport (see the old S*FAR/STANDBY): A
- Change destination to a co-terminal: N*
- Change destination to an entirely different place: N
- Change itinerary at the beginning to include illegal layovers (> 4 hours): N*
- Change itinerary at the layover point (using kiosk, app, or agent) to create an otherwise illegal layover: Y
- Change itinerary at the beginning to add a layover point not permitted by the routing rules: N*
- Change itinerary at a layover point to add another layover not permitted (either in terms of number of segments or routing rules) by the routing rules: Y
- Change to a flight exactly 24 hours before or after the original flight: N*
- Change to a flight exactly 24 hours before the original flight, if the previous day's flight has been delayed: Y (based on one report)
- Combining separately-fared segments to do SDC (e.g. XXX-YYY+YYY-ZZZ -> XXX-ZZZ): A
- Change UA-codeshare, non-UA-metal segment to UA metal: A
- Change from UA metal to UA-codeshare, non-UA-metal segment: N (see post 1813 for one exception)
- Change from UA-codeshare, non-UA-metal segment to a different UA-codeshare, non-UA-metal segment: ??
- Change on a non-UA ticketed segment: N* (with potential dire consequences)
- Change from an upgraded flight into Y on the new flight: Y
- Change from a GPU-upgraded flight into J/F on the new flight: A
- Change from a CPU-upgraded flight and get confirmed into available R space on the new flight: N*
- Change from an instrument-upgraded flight and get confirmed into available R space on the new flight: A*
- Non-elite on different PNR benefiting from Elite's waived-fee SDC: A
- Change at origin airport after tendering a checked bag: N
- Change at layover airport when a bag has been checked: N
If you encounter issues with an agent (phone or counter/gate), you can ask the agent to reference GG SDC. Additionally, GG SDC line 61 specifically references that fare classes are supposed to level out 3.5 hours before departure, so you might be able to use that to your advantage if fare classes have not leveled out and you're trying to ask an agent to open up the correct inventory or force you onto the flight.
Note -- as of 11/27/2017: A datapoint indicates that UA may have updated its GG rule regarding leveling out to state the following:
Code:
EVERYDAY AWARD AND REVENUE BUCKETS ARE TO LEVEL OUT WITHIN 2H OF DEPARTURE
You may stand by if seats are not available in the purchased fare class. In these cases, the same-day change fee will apply, but will not be charged unless you are assigned a seat on your alternate flight. Changes in routing are not allowed when standing by. Standby may be requested on the day of departure at an airport kiosk or with a United representative at the airport. Once you are added to the flight standby list, you can check your real-time standby status at united.com/flightstatus or on your mobile device at mobile.united.com/info.
Instead of paying a same-day change discounted fee, can I stand by for my desired flight for free?
No. The only time you may standby for free is when the fare does not have any penalties for making changes, or when standing by involuntarily due to a flight irregularity.
Can I pay the same-day change discount fee with cash?
Cash will only be accepted by a United airport representative when the change is available to be confirmed, not for standby travel.
original posting by mgcsinc, initiated by jackal
Previous threads:
UA Same-Day Travel Change (SDC) Fees/Questions *now with WikiPost* {pre-2015 Archive}
UA Same-Day Travel Change (SDC) Fees/Questions (with Wiki) {Archive}
May 6, 2019, 5:27 am
#5281
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Florida
Programs: UA 2MM
Posts: 1,917
I have the following itin coming up:
.
For the 1st two flights (ORD-SFO connecting to SFO-NRT), if space available on the nonstop ORD-NRT, do you think there is any chance I would be offered SDC to that?
.
ORD to SFO 6:30 AM - 9:07 AM
UA 2376
Economy
SFO to NRT 11:30 AM - 2:35 PM
NH 7013
Operated by United Airlines
Premium Economy
NRT to MNL 5:15 PM - 8:55 PM
NH 819
Economy
.
This is on UA 016 ticket stock. Note that the 2nd segment is UA-metal but NH flight number. It is also Premium Economy.UA 2376
Economy
SFO to NRT 11:30 AM - 2:35 PM
NH 7013
Operated by United Airlines
Premium Economy
NRT to MNL 5:15 PM - 8:55 PM
NH 819
Economy
.
For the 1st two flights (ORD-SFO connecting to SFO-NRT), if space available on the nonstop ORD-NRT, do you think there is any chance I would be offered SDC to that?
May 6, 2019, 8:32 am
#5282
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 21,412
That said, it would take an agent to make any change.
May 6, 2019, 8:45 am
#5283
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: SFO/SJC
Programs: UA Silver, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold
Posts: 14,890
I have the following itin coming up:
.
For the 1st two flights (ORD-SFO connecting to SFO-NRT), if space available on the nonstop ORD-NRT, do you think there is any chance I would be offered SDC to that?
.
ORD to SFO 6:30 AM - 9:07 AM
UA 2376
Economy
SFO to NRT 11:30 AM - 2:35 PM
NH 7013
Operated by United Airlines
Premium Economy
NRT to MNL 5:15 PM - 8:55 PM
NH 819
Economy
.
This is on UA 016 ticket stock. Note that the 2nd segment is UA-metal but NH flight number. It is also Premium Economy.UA 2376
Economy
SFO to NRT 11:30 AM - 2:35 PM
NH 7013
Operated by United Airlines
Premium Economy
NRT to MNL 5:15 PM - 8:55 PM
NH 819
Economy
.
For the 1st two flights (ORD-SFO connecting to SFO-NRT), if space available on the nonstop ORD-NRT, do you think there is any chance I would be offered SDC to that?
SDC requires all flights be UA operated. Even if the flight to NRT was UA-operated, the final segment is not, which will disable SDC anyway. An agent may be willing to do this, but even if so, that’s a big favor and not technically allowable for an SDC.
The only time you’ll be able to SDC when Non-UA/UAX segments are on the itinerary is when all the non-UA operates segments have been boarded (I.e, if you were doing this on the return, and the NRT-SFO-ORD were all UA metal, after UA sees you as being on the flight from MNL (sometime after they scan your BP getting on that flight), you could SDC the rest on the app (assuming no checked bags), or during IRROPS when the expanded, iRROPs change tool becomes available.
May 6, 2019, 11:01 am
#5284
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Our nation's capital
Programs: UA 1K & 0.6 MM
Posts: 781
Do I have to wait until T minus 24 for the flight I want to SDC *to*? Original it in leaves at 12:45, want to change to 17:45. I am seeing all sorts of options leaving early AM to about 13:00, but nothing later. Is that because the fare buckets for the 17:45 flight haven't opened up yet (he writes, at 13:00)?
Thank you.
Thank you.
May 6, 2019, 11:11 am
#5285
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 21,412
May 6, 2019, 11:45 am
#5286
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Our nation's capital
Programs: UA 1K & 0.6 MM
Posts: 781
May 6, 2019, 1:25 pm
#5287
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Houston, TX
Programs: UA 1MM Premier Gold, DL Gold Medallion, HHonors Gold, Marriot Rewards Gold
Posts: 619
SDC when original flight on LH
HI,
I'm holding a 016 ticket that is operated by LH (TLV - FRA - IAH).
Can I do a SDC to a UA metal flight if there's room?
Thanks
I'm holding a 016 ticket that is operated by LH (TLV - FRA - IAH).
Can I do a SDC to a UA metal flight if there's room?
Thanks
May 6, 2019, 1:52 pm
#5288
Join Date: May 2012
Location: ORF, RIC
Programs: UA LT 1K, 3 MM; Marriott Titanium; IHG Platinum
Posts: 6,958
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/unit...s-wiki-67.html
Good luck!
May 6, 2019, 2:43 pm
#5289
Join Date: Nov 2014
Posts: 163
It's possible with the right agent, especially with LH. HUCA liekly needed, not because they will fight you (though possible), but because they will not know how.
May 6, 2019, 5:44 pm
#5290
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.995MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 66,855
May 7, 2019, 4:36 am
#5291
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: SFO/SJC
Programs: UA Silver, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold
Posts: 14,890
by the rules, no, as SDC is only available for wholly UA-operated itineraries. So the app won’t let you do it. That said, As mentioned, an agent may make that change - but note, not a guarantee and if they do it, it’s really an exception, and not the rule.
May 8, 2019, 8:47 am
#5292
Join Date: Apr 2016
Programs: UA Mileage Plus Delta SkyMiles
Posts: 424
I've read through the Wiki, and many old posts, but maybe someone has some more recent information.
I'm on an ANA ticket, PHL-SIN, with only ANA and United flights.
On my first segment, PHL-ORD I wanted to leave a bit earlier, probably the same day, but in the morning, not after lunch (those are obviously United operated flights)
But because it isn't 016 stock, I've read there is a risk my whole itinerary could get screwed up, and as I'm just starting the trip, that would really suck!
Any advice on how to relatively safely do this. Or all options high risk?
I'm on an ANA ticket, PHL-SIN, with only ANA and United flights.
On my first segment, PHL-ORD I wanted to leave a bit earlier, probably the same day, but in the morning, not after lunch (those are obviously United operated flights)
But because it isn't 016 stock, I've read there is a risk my whole itinerary could get screwed up, and as I'm just starting the trip, that would really suck!
Any advice on how to relatively safely do this. Or all options high risk?
May 8, 2019, 8:49 am
#5293
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 21,412
May 9, 2019, 1:20 pm
#5294
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: ORD
Programs: UA GS
Posts: 143
Premium Plus SDC Policies
Hi, I'm taking my first flight in Premium Plus next week. I'm a 1K and have applied a GPU, but C is full so very unlikely I get upgraded. There is another routing that has much more availability in business, but does not have Premium Plus. So I would be interested in a SDC to regular economy on that other flight, then either TOD buy-up or see if my GPU clears, when within 24 hours.
My questions are:
What are the policies around SDC from Premium Plus to a non-Premium Plus flight? Is it allowed?
If it's not technically allowed, in practice can it be done?
If it's allowed, will I get the offer in app/online, or will I need to call in?
My 24 hour window hasn't opened yet, but just want to be ready with all the info.
Thanks as always for the wisdom on these forums.
My questions are:
What are the policies around SDC from Premium Plus to a non-Premium Plus flight? Is it allowed?
If it's not technically allowed, in practice can it be done?
If it's allowed, will I get the offer in app/online, or will I need to call in?
My 24 hour window hasn't opened yet, but just want to be ready with all the info.
Thanks as always for the wisdom on these forums.
May 9, 2019, 1:28 pm
#5295
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 21,412
What are the policies around SDC from Premium Plus to a non-Premium Plus flight? Is it allowed?
If it's not technically allowed, in practice can it be done?
If it's allowed, will I get the offer in app/online, or will I need to call in?
My 24 hour window hasn't opened yet, but just want to be ready with all the info.
Thanks as always for the wisdom on these forums.
If it's not technically allowed, in practice can it be done?
If it's allowed, will I get the offer in app/online, or will I need to call in?
My 24 hour window hasn't opened yet, but just want to be ready with all the info.
Thanks as always for the wisdom on these forums.
Note that they may not be willing to transfer the GPU, so I wouldn't do this unless PZ space was open. There won't be any way to preview the TOD offer, either.